Air bed Alternatives - the Complete Guide

An air mattress is one of the most effective solutions to utilize limited floor space while retaining the comfort of a snug bed in your house. In comparison to traditional beds, air mattresses are also incredibly affordable. When not in use, the mattress can be deflated and stowed away easily. There are also other air bed alternatives that offer the same utility and convenience as air beds. This article discusses other types of beds that can be substituted for an air bed.

Air bed alternatives for home use include memory foam pads, rollaway beds, futons, Murphy beds, or sofa beds. Air bed alternatives for camping include hammocks, camping cots, padded sleeping bags, self-inflating sleep pads, or foam sleep pads.

2 alternatives ideas we love

1. Memory Foam Pad

A memory foam pad provides a comfortable temporary bed.

Memory foam pads are usually 1 to 2 inches thick and can be used safely as an air bed alternative. They cost around $250 and are available in various standard sizes (single, queen, and king). They are surprisingly comfortable because the cell structure design conforms to the natural curve of your body and distributes your weight evenly, resulting in neutral spine alignment and pressure point relief. This article about the influence of mattress material on sleeping, from Springer, discusses how the materials used in mattresses, like memory foam, affect the sleep quality of various age groups.

Good quality memory foam pads last for 5 to 7 years. The density and thickness of the pad, the frequency of usage, your weight, and the level of care, all affect their durability. Memory foam pads generally come with a vacuum storage bag to make moving and storing easy. The storage bag ensures protection from dust, dirt, and moisture, which prolongs the lifespan of the mattress. We recommend this mattress vacuum bag because it has a leak-proof valve and also comes with straps. Read our article on how to fold a memory foam mattress to avoid damage and injury.

2. Rollaway Bed

This air bed alternative is a great option for the guest room. The name rollaway bed says it all - just fold it up and roll it away.

A rollaway bed looks and feels amazing to sleep on. This bed is unique in that it is designed to seem like a typical bed frame, but when not in use, it folds away for compact storage. Read our article on what the difference is between a mattress foundation vs.a bed frame which explains their unique features.

A rollaway bed is built for strength and durability—the steel frame also features a spring-supported mattress deck. It is available in twin or cot sizes for small rooms or settings with limited space. A cot size rollaway bed requires specialty cot size sheets, which can be hard to find in local department stores. This foldable bed is incredibly simple to put together. It features locking wheels, which keep the frame in place and safe throughout the night. When it’s time to put it away, you can simply fold it in half and roll it into a closet.

3. Futon

Use this queen size futon as a sofa when you don’t need an extra bed in your home.

Futons are versatile and space-saving, as they can be easily folded and unfolded into different positions. They generally come in single, twin, full, and queen sizes. Traditional futons work by unfolding into a mattress when in use and being folded and rolled up, when not in use. The mattress can be laid on the bare floor or on top of a tatami mat to provide better cushioning and airflow. This Japanese floor futon mattress is perfect for minimalists, guest-use, camping, frequent movers, or dorm students, to save money and space.

Western futons usually consist of a slipcover, a foldable mattress, and a platform. The platform is usually made of wood or metal. Sometimes metal rails or rollers are used in futon platforms to make them easy to pull out and push in. They are light, cheap, and easy to install. They function as sofas when not in use and convert into beds when they are unfolded. Read our article about how futons work, to learn about their mechanisms.

4. Murphy Bed

This Murphy bed folds away conveniently to free up space in a small room.

A Murphy bed is a type of bed that is stored vertically against a wall or inside a cabinet when not in use. They come in different sizes, from twin to king, and are available in a wide variety of designs. Modern designs come with extra elements such as shelves, drawers, desks, and sofas, all of which contribute to making a bedroom a multifunctional living space. Read our article on 15 Murphy bed ideas for inspiration that you can use in your guest room.

Using a Murphy bed in your guest room will allow you to optimize the space because you will only need to unfold the bed when you have guests staying with you. Although murphy beds have many advantages, they aren’t that durable, can be dangerous if not used properly, can be bulky to fold out and put away, and they are relatively expensive compared to other types of beds. Read our article about Murphy bed safety to help you decide whether a Murphy bed is the best air bed alternative for your guest bedroom.

5. Sofa Bed

This sofa bed is a brilliant air bed alternative for your living room, as it doubles up as a bed and a sofa.

Sofa beds are mainly used as couches with a built-in mattress, which can fold out to form a bed whenever needed. They are available in different sizes from single to queen size beds and feature thinner mattresses that aren’t designed for everyday use. You can place a mattress topper on a sofa bed for extra comfort and support. Read our article for more information on choosing a mattress topper for a sofa bed to make it more comfortable.

Just like a western futon bed, a sofa bed can be folded out as a bed to accommodate extra guests. Good quality sofa beds can be expensive, especially if you want one that is sleek, easy to unfold and that comes with a good mattress. Sofa beds can be heavy in weight and huge in size, which make it less portable than other types of air bed alternatives.

6. Folding Mattresses

A folding mattress is a portable option for sleeping on, as it can be folded up and stowed away easily.

Folding mattresses are designed for temporary use, so they fold up into a compact form. Many manufacturers offer carrying cases that provide convenient storage for mattresses. They are also more affordable than sofa beds and futons.

Summary of Air Bed Alternatives for the Guest Bedroom

Air Bed Alternative	Pros	Cons	Example Product	Price
Memory Foam Pad	Contours to the body to offer relief on pressure points	Thinner than a regular mattress, so consider the weight of the sleeper	Groove Tie Dye Memory Foam Mattress	~$90
Rollaway Bed	Feels like sleeping on a regular bed frame	Is bulkier to store away.	Linon Home Decor Linon Memory Foam Luxor Folding Bed	~$170
Futon	Doubles as a seating area when not in use	Doesn’t offer adequate support for heavier people	Hewei Double Sofa Bed Futon	~$250
Murphy Bed	Can be stored away in a cabinet	Can be expensive	Bestar, Queen Murphy Bed and 2 Storage Units	~$1,900
Sofa Bed	Functions as an attractive sofa when not in use	Can be uncomfortable when slept on for prolonged periods	Vonanda Sofa Bed, Convertible Chair	~$400
Folding Mattress	An affordable option that also folds away for convenient storage	Is thinner than other beds, not ideal for extended use	Thera Health Folding Mattress	~$90

Air mattresses are very popular among campers, and they are one of the easiest ways to make camping on the ground comfortable. However, they have poor insulation and can get very cold during the night. Read our article on how to fix an air bed that is cold if you need to warm up your air bed. Air mattresses are not the most portable camping bed solutions. If you are hiking or don’t have room in the tent for an air mattress, then you’ll need to find an alternative.

Alternatives to air mattresses for camping, include hammocks, camping cots, padded sleeping bags, self-inflating sleep pads, or foam sleep pads

7. Hammock

This hammock is a great air mattress alternative for camping, and can be carried around easily.

A hammock is an open-air option made of strong and durable material, which is tear-resistant and can easily hold a heavy weight. You can choose between a single or a double hammock for more comfort. A hammock typically comes with a carry bag making it portable enough for backpacking. It can easily be set up next to a stream, on a hill, in a forest, or in a backyard. Unlike ground mattresses, you don’t have to worry about uneven ground, busy campsites, or wet surfaces.

If you plan on sleeping overnight in your hammock, you need to consider the weather and add accessories to your setup such as an underquilt for cold temperatures, a tarp for rain and a net for bugs. This camping hammock includes a bug net and a rain fly tarp for maximum comfort on sunny and rainy days. Keep in mind that a good quality hammock with extra accessories can be quite expensive.

8. Camping Cot

To sleep comfortably and elevated off the ground, use this handy camping cot.

A camping cot is a foldable aluminum or steel frame with fabric stretched taut over the frame to create a sleeping surface. It is lightweight and takes up little room when folded. Many cots come with handy carry bags that may be used to store and move them. Read our article on whether to use an air bed or camping cot for camping, to help you decide which choice suits your needs best.

While most camping cots are meant to sleep one person, there are also two-person camping cots available. Some camping cots are low and close to the ground, whereas others open up to conventional bed height. Camping cots have a set firmness, but you can choose a cot with a built-in sleeping pad for greater cushioning and comfort. The price of a cot ranges between $50 and $500, depending on the size, weight, portability, and model of the cot.

9. Padded Sleeping Bag

This sleeping bag is handy to use for camping trips and can be rolled up into a convenient compression sack for extra portability.

Padded sleeping bags have a waterproof, weather-resistant design to keep you warm even in extreme weather conditions. To learn more, read this article about the factors that affect the insulation properties of sleeping bags, from ProQuest. Sleeping bags can break down and get damaged, but with proper care, they can last for many years. They usually come with a handy carry bag, which makes them convenient to store and easy to transport. If your sleeping bag does not have a storage bag then you can use a laundry bag. You can find affordable sleeping bags that are thick enough to be comfortable on hard surfaces.

10. Self-Inflating Sleep Pad

This self-inflating sleep pad is a convenient air bed alternative as it inflates automatically.

Self-inflating sleep pads come in many different shapes and sizes to help you find the perfect balance of insulation, portability, and cushioning. They are very comfortable, especially the larger sizes. When you want to inflate the sleeping pad, open the valve to allow the pad to expand and drawn-in air automatically. They are easy to store and transport. You will simply need to roll up the mat to squeeze the air out, making a self-inflating pad convenient for backpacking.

When storing your self-inflating mat, it’s best to keep it flat with the valve open, as storing it rolled up long-term can limit the mat’s ability to self-inflate. Sleep pads also provide good insulation and keep you warm throughout the night. They are usually more expensive than air mattresses, and not as well-cushioned. Self-inflating mats are more prone to punctures.

11. Foam Sleep Pad

This sleep pad can be used on its own or it can be used to add comfort to other air bed alternatives.

Foam sleep pads can be used as a floor pad or on extra-wide cots, for added comfort. They are puncture-proof and easy to carry. The foam pad has a non-slip texture to prevent it from moving around as you sleep, and its waterproof surface keeps you warm and protects you from the cold, wet ground.

Summary of Air Bed Alternatives for Camping

Air Bed Alternative	Pros	Cons	Example Product	Price
Hammock	Lightweight, easy to pack	Temperature regulation is challenging	Royalty Nylon Hammock with Parachute material	$15
Camping Cot	Can hold one or two people, collapsible design.	Heavier than other camping options	Folding Camping cot with bag	$70
Padded Sleeping Bag	Easy to pack and the padding helps with uneven surfaces	Less durable than other air bed alternatives	Adult Padded Sleeping Bag	$30-$45
Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad	Easy to set up, good temperature regulation	Expensive, not well cushioned	Goplus self-inflating sleeping pad	$55
Foam Sleep Pad	Cheap, portable	Doesn’t raise you off the ground much	Wakeman Foam Pad	$85

Key Takeaways

Air Bed Alternatives for Home

Air bed alternatives like memory foam pads, rollaway beds, futons, Murphy beds, sofa beds, and folding mattresses provide similar conveniences as air mattresses. They are tailored for different space and comfort needs. Memory foam pads are notable for their body contouring feature, while rollaway beds and Murphy beds are excellent for space-saving. Futons and sofa beds offer dual functionality as seating and sleeping spaces. Lastly, folding mattresses are a cost-effective and portable solution.

Camping Air Bed Alternatives

When camping, alternatives like hammocks, camping cots, padded sleeping bags, self-inflating sleep pads, and foam sleep pads are preferable. Hammocks are portable and great for open-air sleeping, keeping you off uneven or wet ground. Camping cots provide an elevated sleeping surface, while padded sleeping bags offer a combination of portability and warmth. Self-inflating sleep pads are convenient as they inflate automatically, whereas foam sleep pads are puncture-proof and provide a barrier against the cold ground.

Factors to Consider

When choosing an air bed alternative, consider factors such as portability, comfort, ease of setup, and price. For home use, space-saving features and the ease of transitioning from a seating to a sleeping space are important. On the other hand, for camping, portability, insulation against cold, and resistance to outdoor elements are crucial.

Product Recommendations

Product recommendations like the LUCID Rollaway Folding Guest Bed and Best Price Mattress 4 Inch Trifold Memory Foam Mattress offer insights into practical and comfortable air bed alternatives for home use. These products are well-reviewed and cater to different needs, providing a good starting point for those looking to transition away from traditional air beds.

Additional Resources

Further reading on the benefits of air beds, how to fix an air bed that is cold, or comparing air bed with sleep number beds can provide more comprehensive insights for making an informed decision. These resources provide a holistic view of the options available, ensuring a better understanding of air bed alternatives in different scenarios.

Air Bed Alternatives — the Complete Guide